By the time Jossy arrived at the quiet, secluded cafe, Hazel was already seated, a half finished latte in front of her. She looked up the moment Jossy walked in, her eyes lighting up in a way that made Jossy's chest ache. It had been long since she had allowed herself the comfort of her best friend's company.
After the initial pleasantries, Hazel leaned forward, lowering her voice.
"You're never this random, Joss. What's going on?"
Jossy hesitated, her fingers tightening around the warm cup the waiter had just set down. She wanted to tell someone, anyone, the truth. But she feared that once the words left her mouth, there would be no taking them back.
Finally, she decided to start by opening up about simpler stuff.
"Hazel, I don't know what to do. Lennox offered me a full time job in digital marketing."
Hazel raised her brows, a teasing smile breaking across her face.
"Lennox? as in Noah Lennox? Well, way to go Noah. It's about time you noticed him." She chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.
But Jossy's expression remained tight. "What do you mean, Hazel?"
Hazel blinked, brushing the moment off. "Never mind. Go on."
Jossy swallowed hard. "Damien and I had agreed I'd stay at home with the kids. But we don't have any. It's been almost a year since the miscarriage, but.." her voice faltered, "I don't want to try again. Not now."
Hazel reached across the table, taking her hands gently. Her touch was reassuring.
"I think you already know the answer, Jossy. Even you know you shouldn't be having children with him. He doesn't deserve you. And I say that in the kindest way I can."
Jossy swallowed hard.
Hazel's eyes softened, but her words were firm. "He has succeeded in cutting you off, Joss. Even me, your best friend, I barely see you. I haven't seen you in months, at least not until now. What has really been happening in that marriage? Tell me the truth."
Jossy's gaze dropped to her feet. She felt naked under Hazel's concern. "Marriage is hard, Hazel. But we're trying. I'm trying to make it work."
Hazel shook her head, her voice trembling now.
"I know marriage is hard, Jossy. But this, what you're living, isn't marriage. It's survival. You don't have to endure disrespect and call it love."
The words landed like stones in Jossy's chest. She blinked back sudden tears, the cafe around them blurring.